Encyclopedia of Jazz Musicians

Rockwell, Bob

Rockwell grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He studied with Sam Bevins (trumpet) and Roy Johnson (sax). As a teenager he performed in rock, R & B and big bands. He toured the states extensively from this age to his early 20s. During a period of residence in Las Vegas from the late 60s to early 70s he worked with many artists and shows. Rockwell also became an active participant in the many after hour performances with funk & organ groups. He moved to New York in 1978 and became a member of the seminal Thad-Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. This ensemble toured Europe extensively. From 1979 he was engaged in performances with The Mel Lewis Orchestra, Tito Puente, Ben Sidran, Freddie Hubbard, Ray Drummond, Billy Hart, Rufus Reid, Victor Lewis, Ron McClure, Tom Harrell, Chuck Israels, John Hicks, Al Foster, Anthony Cox, Bill Dobbins, Keith Copeland, Clint Houston, Richie Bierach etc. Since 1983 Rockwell has lived in Copenhagen. Working in Scandinavia and beyond with artists such as Ernie Wilkins, Kenny Drew, Alex Riel, Marilyn Mazur and Kenny Wheeler. He has forged special relationships with Danish pianist Jan Kasperson & bass player Jesper Lungaard. He has featured significantly in the Danish Radio Jazz Orchestras touring, broadcast and recording schedule.